Monday, March 13, 2000
Farmers' opinions to be heard during Tristate April hearing
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Tristate farmers are invited to give their views on federal farm policy at a hearing of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee next month.
“Agriculture is the economic backbone of our region, and these hearings are about the future of American agriculture,” Rep. John Boehner, a Republican from West Chester, said in a statement. “We're moving this process outside the Beltway because we want farmers to be a part of it.”
The Tristate hearing is one of 10 being held across the country over the next two months. As the committee prepares to review the nation's farm policy, members want to get farmers' views on the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act and other issues.
The 1996 farm law ended 60 years of a complicated federal system of set-aside land and crop subsidies.
“While the American economy is booming, the agricul ture economy is hurting,” said Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Texas and a committee member. “These hearings are essential in determining firsthand what farmers and ranchers are experiencing and what we as policy makers can do to address the current crisis.”
Mr. Boehner, an agriculture committee member, is critical of the government's failure to follow through on elements of the 1996 act, including expanded agricultural trade, tax relief for farmers and crop insurance reform.
Hearings also are coming up in Memphis, Tenn.; Auburn, Ala.; Raleigh, N.C.; Kutztown, Pa.; Sacramento, Calif.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Boise, Idaho; and Peoria, Ill.
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